The US Army is refining new small drone combat tactics to accommodate emerging technologies such as AI-enabled command and control, higher resolution sensors, faster computer processing, multi-drone control “tablets” and streamlined multi-drone interoperability. Continue reading
Author Archives: The Editor
France Approves Skeyetech Autonomous Drone Flights
Azur Drones has just received the first and only Directorate-General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) approval for a fully-automated drone – Skeyetech system – which takes off from a docking station and requires no remote pilot. This specific approval is unprecedented since any authorized flight scenario in France requires a qualified pilot. Continue reading
Planck Aero Test Flights from Moving Ground Vehicles

Planck Aerosystems key leaders land a Shearwater drone on a moving truck to test its capabilities during night time operations on East MCAS Miramar, Calif., Jan. 24. 2019
Planck Aerosystems (Planck Aero) recently received authorization from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, Air Traffic Control (ATC) to test the Shearwater sUAS in controlled airspace and at night. Continue reading
Natural Power Acquires Ascent Technologies
Renewable energy consultancy and service provider, Natural Power, has acquired the Texas-based firm Ascent Technologies – a developer of software for commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations. Continue reading
Elistair Tethered Drones at Super Bowl for Broadcasting and Security
During the 53rd Super Bowl, two Elistair tethered drones were selected, one by CNN for TV broadcasting and one by Unified Command for security. The micro-tether allowed the drones to fly for several hours without the need to charge the batteries, maintaining constant cover. Continue reading
US GAO Recommends Improvements to RPAS Operator Career Development
UK Watchkeeper Achieves Full Operational Capability
The British Army has declared full operational capability (FOC) for the Watchkeeper tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS), Jane’s has learned. The milestone, known as FOC 2, was “achieved on 30 November 2018”, said a senior military source, although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) chose at the time not to announce it. Continue reading
US Army Invents 40mm Grenade That Nets Bad Drones
US Army researchers have packed a net into a 40mm grenade so they can take down enemy drones. The new invention, which was patented on Tuesday, brings high-tech engineering to the tried-and-true grenade launchers common among U.S. military and law enforcement units. Continue reading






